New Book

W

Worth Mathewson

Active member
Some of you are aware of John Hewitt. He was a long time writer for GRAY'S SPORTING JOURNAL. Several years ago he was struck by a very bad stroke, which left him without the use of his right leg. Also he had to teach himself to read again. Even so, he wrote me it takes him 4-5 hours to read a newspaper. The stroke was caused by injuries he suffered in Viet Nam. He is now moving forward very slowly. But with all his problems, he was able to write a book: The Model 12 Winchester As A Way Of Life. It is a good read, and I think members of this page would enjoy it. The book is available from John for $25. His address is: John Hewitt, 920 Amanita Rd., Fairbanks, Alaska 99712. Best, Worth Mathewson
 
Worth~

A friend just recommended this book to me. As a confirmed Model 12 guy, I have no choice but to mail off a check today.

All the best,

SJS
 
Just finished it. A great read.

John Hewitt and his buddy Ron Rau were among the early Grays Sporting Journal writers. It is nice to see Hewitt's stuff in print again.

Ron Rau also published a short book of his stories a number of years ago. It is called Sage Lake Road.

Matt
 
Worth~

I really enjoyed "Model 12" - and am mailing off another check today - a birthday present for the friend who got me started of Model 12s over 30 years ago.

All the best,

SJS
 
I've been a Gray's fan since issue #1, also always enjoyed Mr. Hewitt's writing. When I first read about his stroke it deeply saddened me. Model 12's have always played a valued role in my hunting life style. How can I not order his book? I'll mail it on my way to fly fish this afternoon.
 
A inscribed copy of The Model 12 Winchester As a Way Of Life by Mr. Hewitt arrived yesterday. I've not been able to put it down since, even though I had read most of the stories years ago. My goodness, a future collectible classic, at a by gone years price! I would like to purchase another to donate to our local library. Ya, it's that Good.
 
Seeing the remarks from Model 12 fans led me to wonder about something: I read a Model 12 book years ago that said a lot of gunners had their 12s converted to three inch.
Has anyone done that/have any knowledge of it? I've got my Heavy Duck, but can't help but wonder if I could convert my 20 to three inch now it's harder to lift the big guns--but the 2 3/4 20 loads just don't seem to offer much past 25 yards.
 
Bill
I would suggest getting a Model 12, 16ga 2 3/4 Shoot gun, instead of messing with your 20 ga. My Model 12 16ga Mod. does the job just fine, especially with steel 2's for ducks over decoys, and pass shooting Wood Ducks . No barrel damage at all, as long as you buy Quality Ammo. With lead it's the best Dove gun I ever owned, and has taken it share of all types of small game. The gun was made in 1935. There are plenty of Model 12, 16's out there, worn on the outside, but bright and never adjusted on the inside that make Fine Shoot guns for us "Older" hunters. If you shoulder one, with a plain barrel you will Not give it back.

I doubt that there is a better "Turkey Swatter" than the Model 12, 3 inch duck gun (well maybe the Belgium Browning 3 " Auto 5). It puts X's in there eyes, and that's all I use it for now. When I lived in PA we had a late Dove season, and that Shoot gun and Winchester Silver Heavy Trap 7 1/2's did a fine job on very smart late season Doves.

I did have the Skeet barrel I used on my old Remington 1100 3" 12ga reamed out to 3 inch. As I did a lot of lay out marsh hunting over my decoys. It was the perfect combination when Steel first came out, and I never had a problem, great patterns and few cripples. I do regret selling that gun, with the extra 3" Skeet barrel, to buy a Remington 3" 11-87. Big Mistake!

Just my 2 cents worth... after many seasons.
 
My copy arrived a couple days ago. I am half way through it and have loved every page. His writing reminds me of Nash Buckingham in a way. I was surprised to learn that he grew up in eastern Kansas...not far from Kansas City, where I grew up. We are contemporaries and share many values. It's a good buy and a great read. I am glad Worth made us aware of it.

Jeff Churan
Chillicothe, MO
 
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